Remembering A Great Sacrifice

At this time of year in the British Nation we remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in war to ensure our democracy and freedom. We publicly express our gratitude to those who have been killed or injured in the line of duty by the wearing of a poppy. The poppy was chosen to be this symbol of remembrance because it was a common wild flower in the fields of Flanders where so many died in the 'Great War' and it's red petals remind us of the blood that was shed on our behalf.

As grateful as we are to those brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for us there was a sacrifice of much greater worth than any ever made during war. I am talking of course about the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary.

The deaths of our brave soldiers, sailors and airmen may have purchased freedom at the time but it was only temporary. For once one evil regime was defeated another rose up somewhere else to take it's place. Even to this day our soldiers are in daily contact with Militant Islamic fundamentalists who threaten our very way of life. On the other hand the freedom won at Calvary is an eternal freedom from sin. Freedom from the power of Sin in this life, freedom from the Penalty of Sin at death and freedom from the very Presence of Sin in a Heaven where 'nothing that defileth' shall ever be found.

This great Sacrifice at Calvary also has symbols of remembrance. It is not the wearing of a poppy that reminds us of this sacrifice but rather the Bread and Wine of the Lord's Supper. Before He went to the cross the Lord Jesus instituted a remembrance feast for all believers, Matthew tells us in his gospel.

'And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.' Matthew 26 v26-28

Sadly many of God's people rarely take the time to obey their Saviour and they walk away from the table of remembrance. They forget the admonition of the Apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians 11 where he said:-

'For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.'

I'm glad that as a nation we mark the sacrifice of others on our behalf. It is always good to remember. Most Christians that I know, are very glad to wear their poppy at this time of the year, if only they were just as glad to remember the Saviour in His own appointed way.

'this do in remembrance of me.' Luke 22 v19